Regular Cab v6 2011
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
From: Halifax, NS
No, he is asking about the NA 3.7 V6, not the EB 3.5V6...... not much has been said about the 3.7 yet......, being NA, the torque would be "typical" of a V6......
One of the configurations I plan to get pricing on this summer when I'm ready to buy is a 5.0 4x4 RCSB with the 3.73 LSD axle. Should be peppy. 
Towing & Recovery Guy
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Boardman, Ohio
I'm looking to add a work truck to our fleet, which would be used for normal "pickup truck duty", with occasional trailer towing of around 4,500-5,000 lbs or so. This would be a 20' Featherlite trailer with a car on it. Trailer weighs around #1,400 + the weight of the car on it.
The new V6 has 302 horsepower, and rated for 6,000 lbs trailer towing. This could fit the bill for us. I know the 5.0 isn't much more $$, but would certainly use more fuel, and if I don't need to spend the extra money on the engine upgrade that's wonderful.
I am hoping to find time to go test drive one soon. Also, since I'm in good with the dealer, they will let me hook it to my trailer for a quick test run around town to be sure the power will be enough. 95% of its life would be just hauling stuff in the bed, and responding to service calls, so the fuel savings of the 6 cyl would be ideal, even if it (slightly) struggles with a trailer.
Once I get the chance to check it out, I'll reply again with my thoughts.
The new V6 has 302 horsepower, and rated for 6,000 lbs trailer towing. This could fit the bill for us. I know the 5.0 isn't much more $$, but would certainly use more fuel, and if I don't need to spend the extra money on the engine upgrade that's wonderful.
I am hoping to find time to go test drive one soon. Also, since I'm in good with the dealer, they will let me hook it to my trailer for a quick test run around town to be sure the power will be enough. 95% of its life would be just hauling stuff in the bed, and responding to service calls, so the fuel savings of the 6 cyl would be ideal, even if it (slightly) struggles with a trailer.
Once I get the chance to check it out, I'll reply again with my thoughts.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
If you have not already read this article, it is spot on the questions you asked:
http://special-reports.pickuptrucks....-shootout.html
The other things I have learned about the 3.7 v/s 5.0 is that the transmission has fewer clutches in the 3.7 application and other changes designed to maximize fuel economy. I am guessing that is one reason the 3.7 is limited to 6,100 pounds ... .
I took a 3.7 on a short test drive and with 3.73 gears (standard) it felt quicker around town than I remember my 04 Lariat 5.4 with its much lower gearing. With the new transmission, the trucks can remain efficient with a much higher final drive ratio. The torque multiplication effect of the 3.73 rear end make the truck quicker than what I expected.
As far as "agility" goes, this thing is far from a sports car, but the steering is well weighted and provides good feedback (for a truck). I'm sure it over steers until it eventually achieves perfect 0 / 0 weight distribution when flipped on its roof, like all trucks. Frankly, the thing is too darned big and would be a better vehicle if sized like the 99 to 03's were.
The 3.7 would be fine for our needs. The 5.0 is simply cool. Decisions, decisions ... .
http://special-reports.pickuptrucks....-shootout.html
The other things I have learned about the 3.7 v/s 5.0 is that the transmission has fewer clutches in the 3.7 application and other changes designed to maximize fuel economy. I am guessing that is one reason the 3.7 is limited to 6,100 pounds ... .
I took a 3.7 on a short test drive and with 3.73 gears (standard) it felt quicker around town than I remember my 04 Lariat 5.4 with its much lower gearing. With the new transmission, the trucks can remain efficient with a much higher final drive ratio. The torque multiplication effect of the 3.73 rear end make the truck quicker than what I expected.
As far as "agility" goes, this thing is far from a sports car, but the steering is well weighted and provides good feedback (for a truck). I'm sure it over steers until it eventually achieves perfect 0 / 0 weight distribution when flipped on its roof, like all trucks. Frankly, the thing is too darned big and would be a better vehicle if sized like the 99 to 03's were.
The 3.7 would be fine for our needs. The 5.0 is simply cool. Decisions, decisions ... .
Last edited by FI50; Jan 9, 2011 at 04:28 PM.
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
Here's a quote from the Pick Up Trucks.com article
Our F-150 did have the nice rims, power windows, power mirrors and vastly superior interior with the STX trim package. Seating comfort was strong with the 40/20/40 seating that gave better-than-most bolstering and backside comfort. The six-speed transmission helped the vehicle get in the right gear in city driving, and the 302-horsepower motor allowed it to scoot off the line. With the trailer hooked up and in Tow/Haul mode, there was plenty of gearing to get it moving from a stop light or when merging into traffic. The transmission is the key here, using some significant computer power to figure out in milliseconds just the right amount of power and force to move the extra weight with the least lost energy. The gearbox downshifted quickly and upshifted when sensing downhill spots coming ahead. And in perhaps the least surprising discovery, the most expensive truck of the test also had the quietest interior, empty or loaded.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 193
Likes: 0
From: Barrie, Ontario
Originally Posted by metropolis909